Ghana’s Parliament has passed a controversial bill that would significantly tighten restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, introducing prison terms for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who openly support them.
The proposed legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, prescribes up to three years in prison for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. It also requires citizens to report prohibited LGBTQ+ activities to law enforcement authorities.
The bill now awaits the approval of President John Dramani Mahama before it can become law.
Supporters of the legislation say it is aimed at protecting Ghana’s cultural and family values. Speaking after the vote, the bill’s sponsor, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, said the measure would strengthen existing laws against same-sex relationships and expand penalties related to LGBTQ+ activities.
According to the lawmaker, the bill is intended to make current regulations “more robust, more encompassing and more stringent” in addressing LGBTQ+ practices.
The legislation also targets individuals who publicly support LGBTQ+ rights, commonly referred to as allies, making them liable to criminal prosecution under certain circumstances.
However, exemptions have been included for healthcare workers, journalists and legal professionals whose work may involve reporting on LGBTQ+ issues or providing services to members of the community.
Human rights organisations have strongly opposed the bill. Human Rights Watch warned that the legislation could place LGBTQ+ individuals at greater risk and encourage citizens to monitor and report one another.
Same-sex relationships are already illegal in Ghana under laws dating back to the colonial era. A similar bill was passed by Parliament in 2024 but failed to become law after former President Nana Akufo-Addo did not sign it amid ongoing legal challenges.
President Mahama has previously expressed support for traditional views on gender and marriage. Shortly after assuming office, he stated that he believes only two genders exist and that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Ghana joins a growing number of African countries that have recently strengthened anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Earlier this year, Senegal approved legislation imposing harsher penalties for same-sex relationships and the promotion of homosexuality, while Uganda introduced some of the continent’s toughest anti-LGBTQ+ measures in 2023.
The passage of the bill is expected to spark renewed debate both within Ghana and internationally as attention turns to whether President Mahama will sign it into law.
